The 5 best Gold Coast camping spots

Just because its winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t get amongst the goodness that is camping and if, you’re anything like us, any escape from the daily grind is a good escape.

After a a couple of seasons of complete overindulgence, cheap and cheerful is the go, so camping it is friends.

Luckily there are plenty of pretty places close by that will soothe your wanderlusting soul and BONUS, all you need is a tent, two minute noodles and your very best sense of adventure.

Bigriggen ParkFound on the spectacular Scenic Rim, Bigriggen Park is very family-friendly and you may also bring alon your fur babies if they need a break from a life of sleeping and eating. It’s only about an hour and a half from the Coast so just far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city and it’s 55 hectares of land so plenty of spot for hiking, exploring and generally just enjoying the serenity. There’s also fishing and watersports and the like at Maroon Dam not too far away. Get there: Head out toward Beaudesert and follow the signs toward Rathdowney and onto Bigriggen from there.

The SettlementAnother immerse-yourself-in-nature gem, The Settlement is the only place you can camp in the Springbrook National Park. There’s no electricity or WiFi so you will certainly be escaping all the creature comforts you know and love (RIP Insta stories). Never fear though, you can amuse yourself by trekking to Purling Brook Falls and sizzling some snags at the BBQ area. Take a book or get involved in a good old-fashioned conversation. Get there: Head towards Mudgeeraba and follow the signs to Springbrook then follow the signs to Carricks Rd.

South Stradbroke Island via Queensland

South Stradbroke IslandThe wild southern sibling of far-more-populated North Stradbroke Island (name creativity is off the charts), South Straddy is always a good time. Getting there is an adventure in itself and the campground is surrounded by scrub so you’ll need to be self sufficient (you can’t drive on the island either). There are bathrooms and the like at Tipplers Kiosk so don’t despair but it’s definitely a down and dirty nature-lovers paradise. Get there: by private boat or water taxi or hire a seaplane if you’re not short of a dollar.

CanungraSpecifically the James Sharp Memorial Park can be found on the banks of the Coomera River. It’s a big old grassy area with plenty of blessed shade (how’s the heatwave) and enough river for swimming, fishing, canoeing and whatever else floats your boat. Oh AND, you can bring your doggo (or cat if you must) and open fires are permitted because these good people appreciate the magic of marshmallows. If you’ve got a family, this spot might be your best bet. Get there: Drive to Nerang and follow the signs to Canungra then turn off onto Beechmont Rd toward Witheren.

Nightfall Wilderness CampOkay so this place definitely doesn’t qualify as camping but diversity is key right. Nightfall Wilderness Camp is a five star glamping (best word) experience found in the Lamington National Park and it is F A N C Y. There’s bathtubs, food cooked over coals, comfy beds and the prettiest of furnishings. Also, the crew at Nightfall are dedicated to ecotourism so they protect the local wildlife and watch the creeks water quality. It’s an absolutely beautiful place and you should definitely spend some hard earned pennies here. Get there: head out toward Canungra then Beaudesert and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.